Liquid-crystalline medium

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are liquid-crystalline mediums containing one or more compounds of formula I 
                         
and uses thereof for electro-optical purposes, e.g., to electro-optical liquid-crystal displays.

The present invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium (LC medium) and to the use thereof for electro-optical purposes and to displays containing this medium.

Liquid crystals are used principally as dielectrics in display devices, since the optical properties of such substances can be modified by an applied voltage. Electro-optical devices based on liquid crystals are extremely well known to the person skilled in the art and can be based on various effects. Examples of such devices are cells having dynamic scattering, DAP (deformation of aligned phases) cells, guest/host cells, TN cells having a twisted nematic structure, STN (supertwisted nematic) cells, SBE (super-birefringence effect) cells and OMI (optical mode interference) cells. The commonest display devices are based on the Schadt-Helfrich effect and have a twisted nematic structure.

The liquid-crystal materials must have good chemical and thermal stability and good stability to electric fields and electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the liquid-crystal materials should have low viscosity and produce short addressing times, low threshold voltages and high contrast in the cells.

They should furthermore have a suitable mesophase, for example a nematic or cholesteric mesophase for the above-mentioned cells, at the usual operating temperatures, i.e. in the broadest possible range above and below room temperature. Since liquid crystals are generally used as mixtures of a plurality of components, it is important that the components are readily miscible with one another. Further properties, such as the electrical conductivity, the dielectric anisotropy and the optical anisotropy, have to satisfy various requirements depending on the cell type and area of application. For example, materials for cells having a twisted nematic structure should have positive dielectric anisotropy and low electrical conductivity.

For example, for matrix liquid-crystal displays with integrated non-linear elements for switching individual pixels (MLC displays), media having large positive dielectric anisotropy, broad nematic phases, relatively low birefringence, very high specific resistance, good UV and temperature stability and low vapour pressure are desired.

Matrix liquid-crystal displays of this type are known. Examples of non-linear elements which can be used to individually switch the individual pixels are active elements (i.e. transistors). The term “active matrix” is then used, where a distinction can be made between two types:

-   1. MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) or other diodes on silicon wafers     as substrate. -   2. Thin-film transistors (TFTs) on a glass plate as substrate.

The use of single-crystal silicon as substrate material restricts the display size, since even modular assembly of various part-displays results in problems at the joints.

In the case of the more promising type 2, which is preferred, the electro-optical effect used is usually the TN effect. A distinction is made between two technologies: TFTs comprising compound semiconductors, such as, for example, CdSe, or TFTs based on polycrystalline or amorphous silicon. Intensive work is being carried out worldwide on the latter technology.

The TFT matrix is applied to the inside of one glass plate of the display, while the other glass plate carries the transparent counterelectrode on its inside. Compared with the size of the pixel electrode, the TFT is very small and has virtually no adverse effect on the image. This technology can also be extended to fully colour-capable displays, in which a mosaic of red, green and blue filters is arranged in such a way that a filter element is opposite each switchable pixel.

The TFT displays usually operate as TN cells with crossed polarisers in transmission and are backlit.

The term MLC displays here encompasses any matrix display with integrated non-linear elements, i.e., besides the active matrix, also displays with passive elements, such as varistors or diodes (MIM=metal-insulator-metal).

MLC displays of this type are particularly suitable for TV applications (for example pocket televisions) or for high-information displays for computer applications (laptops) and in automobile or aircraft construction. Besides problems regarding the angle dependence of the contrast and the response times, difficulties also arise in MLC displays due to insufficiently high specific resistance of the liquid-crystal mixtures [TOGASHI, S., SEKIGUCHI, K., TANABE, H., YAMAMOTO, E., SORIMACHI, K., TAJIMA, E., WATANABE, H., SHIMIZU, H., Proc. Eurodisplay 84, September 1984: A 210-288 Matrix LCD Controlled by Double Stage Diode Rings, p. 141 ff, Paris; STROMER, M., Proc. Eurodisplay 84, September 1984: Design of Thin Film Transistors for Matrix Addressing of Television Liquid Crystal Displays, p. 145 ff, Paris]. With decreasing resistance, the contrast of an MLC display deteriorates, and the problem of after-image elimination may occur. Since the specific resistance of the liquid-crystal mixture generally drops over the life of an MLC display owing to interaction with the interior surfaces of the display, a high (initial) resistance is very important in order to obtain acceptable lifetimes. In particular in the case of low-volt mixtures, it was hitherto impossible to achieve very high specific resistance values. It is furthermore important that the specific resistance exhibits the smallest possible increase with increasing temperature and after heating and/or UV exposure. The low-temperature properties of the mixtures from the prior art are also particularly disadvantageous. It is demanded that no crystallisation and/or smectic phases occur, even at low temperatures, and the temperature dependence of the viscosity is as low as possible. The MLC displays from the prior art thus do not satisfy today's requirements.

Besides liquid-crystal displays which use backlighting, i.e. are operated transmissively and if desired transflectively, reflective liquid-crystal displays are also particularly interesting. These reflective liquid-crystal displays use the ambient light for information display. They thus consume significantly less energy than backlit liquid-crystal displays having a corresponding size and resolution. Since the TN effect is characterised by very good contrast, reflective displays of this type can even be read well in bright ambient conditions. This is already known of simple reflective TN displays, as used, for example, in watches and pocket calculators. However, the principle can also be applied to high-quality, higher-resolution active matrix-addressed displays, such as, for example, TFT displays. Here, as already in the transmissive TFT-TN displays which are generally conventional, the use of liquid crystals of low birefringence (Δn) is necessary in order to achieve low optical retardation (d·Δn). This low optical retardation results in usually acceptably low viewing-angle dependence of the contrast (cf. DE 30 22 818). In reflective displays, the use of liquid crystals of low birefringence is even more important than in transmissive displays since the effective layer thickness through which the light passes is approximately twice as large in reflective displays as in transmissive displays having the same layer thickness.

Thus, there continues to be a great demand for MLC displays having very high specific resistance at the same time as a large working-temperature range, short response times, even at low temperatures, and a low threshold voltage which do not exhibit these disadvantages or only do so to a lesser extent.

In the case of TN (Schadt-Helfrich) cells, media are desired which facilitate the following advantages in the cells:

-   -   extended nematic phase range (in particular down to low         temperatures)     -   switchability at extremely low temperatures (outdoor use,         automobiles, avionics)     -   increased resistance to UV radiation (longer life)     -   low threshold voltage

The media available from the prior art do not enable these advantages to be achieved while simultaneously retaining the other parameters.

In the case of supertwisted (STN) cells, media are desired which facilitate greater multiplexability and/or lower threshold voltages and/or broader nematic phase ranges (in particular at low temperatures). To this end, a further widening of the available parameter latitude (clearing point, smectic-nematic transition or melting point, viscosity, dielectric parameters, elastic parameters) is urgently desired.

In particular in the case of LC displays in equipment for mobile video applications (for example mobile telephones, PDAs or notebooks with multimedia functions, such as films or video games), a significant reduction in the response times is desired. At the same time, the operating voltage should be as low as possible in order to reduce the total energy requirement of the equipment. However, it has been found that the LC media used for this purpose in the prior art often have an inadequate voltage holding ratio (HR) on exposure to light and heat, and inadequate low-temperature stability (LTS). This results in defects such as streaks and so-called “mura” in the LC displays (see in this respect “Automatic blemish detection in liquid crystal flat panel displays” by William K. Pratt et al., SPIE Proceedings 3306-01, pp. 2-13).

The invention has the object of providing media, in particular for MLC, TN or STN displays of this type, which do not exhibit the above-mentioned disadvantages or only do so to a lesser extent, and preferably at the same time have high HR values, high low-temperature stability, a low threshold voltage, a high clearing point and low birefringence. In addition, the LC media should have low rotational viscosity in order to facilitate fast response times.

It has now been found that this object can be achieved if LC media comprising one or more compounds of the formula I are used. The compounds of the formula I result in mixtures having the desired properties indicated above.

The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium, characterised in that it comprises one or more compounds of the formula I

in which

-   R⁰ denotes a halogenated or unsubstituted alkyl or alkoxy radical     having 1 to 15 C atoms, where, in addition, one or more CH₂ groups     in these radicals may each, independently of one another, be     replaced by —C≡C—, —CF₂O—, —CH═CH—,

—O—, —CO—O— or —O—CO— in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another,

-   X⁰ denotes F, Cl, CN, SF₅, SCN, NCS, a halogenated alkyl radical, a     halogenated alkenyl radical, a halogenated alkoxy radical or a     halogenated alkenyloxy radical having up to 6 C atoms, and -   Y^(1,2) each, independently of one another, denote H or F.

The compounds of the formula I have a high clearing point, high positive dielectric anisotropy, low birefringence and a broad nematic phase range. Surprisingly, it has been found that LC media comprising compounds of the formula I have high LTS and a high HR at the same time as a low threshold voltage, a high clearing point, low rotational viscosity and consequently fast response times. They are therefore particularly suitable for LC displays in mobile and video applications.

The compounds of the formula I have a broad range of applications. Depending on the choice of substituents, they can serve as base materials of which liquid-crystalline media are predominantly composed; however, liquid-crystalline base materials from other classes of compound can also be added to the compounds of the formula I in order, for example, to modify the dielectric and/or optical anisotropy of a dielectric of this type and/or to optimise its threshold voltage and/or its viscosity.

In the pure state, the compounds of the formula I are colourless and form liquid-crystalline mesophases in a temperature range which is favourably located for electro-optical use. They are stable chemically, thermally and to light.

The compounds of the formula I are prepared by methods known per se, as described in the literature (for example in the standard works, such as Houben-Weyl, Methoden der organischen Chemie [Methods of Organic Chemistry], Georg-Thieme-Verlag, Stuttgart), to be precise under reaction conditions which are known and suitable for the said reactions. Use can also be made here of variants known per se, which are not mentioned here in greater detail.

If R⁰ in the formulae above and below denotes an alkyl radical and/or an alkoxy radical, this may be straight-chain or branched. It is preferably straight-chain, has 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 C atoms and accordingly preferably denotes ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, hexyloxy or heptyloxy, furthermore methyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, pentadecyl, methoxy, octyloxy, nonyloxy, decyloxy, undecyloxy, dodecyloxy, tridecyloxy or tetradecyloxy.

Oxaalkyl preferably denotes straight-chain 2-oxapropyl (=methoxymethyl), 2-(=ethoxymethyl) or 3-oxabutyl (=2-methoxyethyl), 2-, 3- or 4-oxapentyl, 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-oxahexyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-oxaheptyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-oxaoctyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or 8-oxanonyl, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8- or 9-oxadecyl.

If R⁰ denotes an alkyl radical in which one CH₂ group has been replaced by —CH═CH—, this may be straight-chain or branched. It is preferably straight-chain and has 2 to 10 C atoms. Accordingly, it denotes, in particular, vinyl, prop-1- or -2-enyl, but-1-, -2- or -3-enyl, pent-1-, -2-, -3- or -4-enyl, hex-1-, -2-, -3-, -4- or -5-enyl, hept-1-, -2-, -3-, -4-, -5- or -6-enyl, oct-1-, -2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6- or -7-enyl, non-1-, -2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6-, -7- or -8-enyl, dec-1-, -2-, -3-, -4-, -5-, -6-, -7-, -8- or -9-enyl.

If R⁰ denotes an alkyl or alkenyl radical which is at least monosubstituted by halogen, this radical is preferably straight-chain, and halogen is preferably F or Cl. In the case of polysubstitution, halogen is preferably F. The resultant radicals also include perfluorinated radicals. In the case of monosubstitution, the fluorine or chlorine substituent may be in any desired position, but is preferably in the ω-position.

In the formulae above and below, X⁰ is preferably F, Cl or mono- or polyfluorinated alkyl or alkoxy having 1, 2 or 3 C atoms or mono- or polyfluorinated alkenyl having 2 or 3 C atoms. X⁰ is particularly preferably F, Cl, CF₃, CHF₂, OCF₃, OCHF₂, OCFHCF₃, OCFHCHF₂, OCFHCHF₂, OCF₂CH₃, OCF₂CHF₂, OCF₂CHF₂, OCF₂CF₂CHF₂, OCF₂CF₂CHF₂, OCFHCF₂CF₃, OCFHCF₂CHF₂, OCF₂CF₂CF₃, OCF₂CF₂CClF₂, OCClFCF₂CF₃ or CH═CF₂, very particularly preferably F or OCF₃.

Particularly preferred compounds of the formula I are selected from the following sub-formulae:

in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meaning indicated in formula I.

R⁰ preferably denotes straight-chain alkyl having 1 to 8 C atoms, furthermore alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms. X⁰ preferably denotes F or OCF₃, particularly preferably F.

Further preferred embodiments are indicated below:

-   -   The medium additionally comprises one or more compounds of the         formulae II and/or III:

-   -    in which R⁰, X⁰, Y¹ and Y² have the meaning indicated in         formula I, Y³ and Y⁴ denote H or F, and

-   -   The compounds of the formula II are preferably selected from the         following formulae:

-   -    in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated above.         Preferably, R⁰ denotes alkyl having 1 to 8 C atoms, and X⁰         denotes F. Particular preference is given to compounds of the         formulae ha and lib;     -   The compounds of the formula III are preferably selected from         the following formulae:

-   -    in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated above.         Preferably, R⁰ denotes alkyl having 1 to 8 C atoms, and X⁰         denotes F. Particular preference is given to compounds of the         formula IIIa;     -   The medium additionally comprises one or more compounds selected         from the following formulae:

-   -    in which R⁰, X⁰ and Y¹⁻⁴ have the meanings indicated in formula         II,         -   Z⁰ denotes —C₂H₄—, —(CH₂)₄—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —C₂F₄—,             —CH₂CF₂—, —CF₂CH₂—, —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—, —COO— or —OCF₂—, in             formulae V and VI also a single bond, in formulae V and VIII             also —CF₂O—, and         -   r denotes 0 or 1;     -   The compounds of the formula IV are preferably selected from the         following formulae:

-   -    in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated above.         Preferably, R⁰ denotes alkyl having 1 to 8 C atoms, and X⁰         denotes F or OCF₃;     -   The compounds of the formula V are preferably selected from the         following formulae:

-   -    in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated above.         Preferably, R⁰ denotes alkyl having 1 to 8 C atoms, and X⁰         denotes F;     -   The compounds of the formula VI are preferably selected from the         following formulae:

-   -    in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated above.         Preferably, R⁰ denotes alkyl having 1 to 8 C atoms, and X⁰         denotes F;     -   The compounds of the formula VII are preferably selected from         the following formulae:

-   -    in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated above.         Preferably, R⁰ denotes alkyl having 1 to 8 C atoms, and X⁰         denotes F;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds selected from the         following formulae:

-   -    in which X⁰ has the meaning indicated above,         -   L denotes H or F,         -   “alkyl” denotes C₁₋₇-alkyl,         -   R′ denotes C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₆-alkoxy or C₂₋₇-alkenyl, and         -   “alkenyl” and “alkenyl*” each, independently of one another,             denote C₂₋₇-alkenyl.     -   The compounds of the formulae IX-XII are preferably selected         from the following formulae:

-   -    in which “alkyl” has the meaning indicated above;     -   The medium additionally comprises one or more compounds selected         from the following formulae:

-   -    in which R¹ and R² each, independently of one another, denote         n-alkyl, alkoxy, oxaalkyl, fluoroalkyl or alkenyl, each having         up to 9 C atoms, and preferably each, independently of one         another, denote alkyl having 1 to 8 C atoms;     -   The medium additionally comprises one or more compounds of the         following formula:

-   -    in which R⁰, X⁰ and Y^(1,2) have the meanings indicated in         formula I, and

-   -    and each, independently of one another, denote

-   -    where A and B do not simultaneously denote cyclohexylene;     -   The compounds of the formula XV are preferably selected from the         following formulae:

-   -    in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated above.         Preferably, R⁰ denotes alkyl having 1 to 8 C atoms, and X⁰         denotes F;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of the following         formula:

-   -    in which R¹ and R² have the meaning indicated above, and         preferably each, independently of one another, denote alkyl         having 1 to 8 C atoms, and L denotes H or F;     -   The medium additionally comprises one or more compounds selected         from the following formulae:

-   -    in which R^(1,2) and Y^(1,2) have the meanings indicated above;     -   The medium comprises one or more compounds of the formula XVIII,         in which R¹ and/or R² denote alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms,         preferably those selected from the following formulae:

-   -    in which “alkyl” has the meaning indicated above;     -   The medium additionally comprises one or more compounds selected         from the following formulae:

-   -    in which R⁰ and X⁰ each, independently of one another, have one         of the meanings indicated above, and Y¹⁻⁴ each, independently of         one another, denote H or F. X⁰ is preferably F, Cl, CF₃, OCF₃ or         OCHF₂. R⁰ preferably denotes alkyl, alkoxy, oxaalkyl,         fluoroalkyl or alkenyl, each having up to 8 C atoms. Particular         preference is given to compounds of the formula XXI.     -   The compounds of the formula XXI are preferably selected from         the following formulae:

-   -    in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated above.         Preferably, R⁰ denotes alkyl having 1 to 8 C atoms, and X⁰         denotes F;

-   -   R⁰ is straight-chain alkyl or alkenyl having 2 to 7 C atoms;     -   X⁰ is F;     -   The medium comprises one, two or more compounds of the formula         I, in particular of the formula Ia, Ib or Ic;     -   The medium comprises 2-40% by weight, preferably 3-30% by         weight, particularly preferably 3-20% by weight, of compounds of         the formula I;     -   The medium comprises compounds selected from the formulae I, II,         III, IV, VI, IX-XII, XVIII and XXI;     -   The proportion of compounds of the formulae II, III, IV, VI,         IX-XII, XVIII and XXI in the mixture as a whole is 40 to 95% by         weight;     -   The medium comprises 5-60% by weight, particularly preferably         10-50% by weight, of compounds of the formula II;     -   The medium comprises 2-40% by weight, particularly preferably         5-30% by weight, of compounds of the formula III;     -   The medium comprises 1-30% by weight, particularly preferably         2-20% by weight, of compounds of the formula IV;     -   The medium comprises 2-30% by weight, particularly preferably         3-20% by weight, of compounds of the formula VI;     -   The medium comprises 2-40% by weight, particularly preferably         3-30% by weight, of compounds of the formulae IX-XII and XVIII;     -   The medium comprises 1-20% by weight, particularly preferably         1-15% by weight, of compounds of the formula XXI.

It has been found that even a relatively small proportion of compounds of the formula I mixed with conventional liquid-crystal materials, but in particular with one or more compounds of the formulae II to XXIII, results in a significant increase in the light stability and in low birefringence values, with broad nematic phases with low smectic-nematic transition temperatures being observed at the same time, improving the shelf life. At the same time, the mixtures exhibit very low threshold voltages and very good values for the VHR on exposure to UV.

The term “alkyl” or “alkyl*” encompasses straight-chain and branched alkyl groups having 1-7 carbon atoms, in particular the straight-chain groups methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl and heptyl. Groups having 1-6 carbon atoms are generally preferred.

The term “alkenyl” or “alkenyl*” encompasses straight-chain and branched alkenyl groups having 2-7 carbon atoms, in particular the straight-chain groups. Preferred alkenyl groups are C₂-C₇-1E-alkenyl, C₄-C₇-3E-alkenyl, C₅-C₇-4-alkenyl, C₆-C₇-5-alkenyl and C₇-6-alkenyl, in particular C₂-C₇-1E-alkenyl, C₄-C₇-3E-alkenyl and C₅-C₇-4-alkenyl. Examples of particularly preferred alkenyl groups are vinyl, 1E-propenyl, 1E-butenyl, 1E-pentenyl, 1E-hexenyl, 1E-heptenyl, 3-butenyl, 3E-pentenyl, 3E-hexenyl, 3E-heptenyl, 4-pentenyl, 4Z-hexenyl, 4E-hexenyl, 4Z-heptenyl, 5-hexenyl, 6-heptenyl and the like. Groups having up to 5 carbon atoms are generally preferred.

The term “fluoroalkyl” preferably encompasses straight-chain groups having a terminal fluorine, i.e. fluoromethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 3-fluoropropyl, 4-fluorobutyl, 5-fluoropentyl, 6-fluorohexyl and 7-fluoroheptyl. However, other positions of the fluorine are not excluded.

The term “oxaalkyl” or “alkoxy” preferably encompasses straight-chain radicals of the formula C_(n)H_(2n+1)—O—(CH₂)_(m), in which n and m each, independently of one another, denote 1 to 6. m may also denote 0. Preferably, n=1 and m=1-6 or m=0 and n=1-3.

Through a suitable choice of the meanings of R⁰ and X⁰, the addressing times, the threshold voltage, the steepness of the transmission characteristic lines, etc., can be modified in the desired manner. For example, 1E-alkenyl radicals, 3E-alkenyl radicals, 2E-alkenyloxy radicals and the like generally result in shorter addressing times, improved nematic tendencies and a higher ratio between the elastic constants k₃₃ (bend) and k₁₁ (splay) compared with alkyl and alkoxy radicals. 4-Alkenyl radicals, 3-alkenyl radicals and the like generally give lower threshold voltages and lower values of k₃₃/k₁₁ compared with alkyl and alkoxy radicals. The mixtures according to the invention are distinguished, in particular, by high K₁, values and thus have significantly faster response times than the mixtures from the prior art.

The optimum mixing ratio of the compounds of the above-mentioned formulae depends substantially on the desired properties, on the choice of the components of the above-mentioned formulae and on the choice of any further components that may be present.

Suitable mixing ratios within the range indicated above can easily be determined from case to case.

The total amount of compounds of the above-mentioned formulae in the mixtures according to the invention is not crucial. The mixtures can therefore comprise one or more further components for the purposes of optimisation of various properties. However, the observed effect on the desired improvement in the properties of the mixture is generally greater, the higher the total concentration of compounds of the above-mentioned formulae.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the media according to the invention comprise compounds of the formulae II to VIII (preferably II, III, IV and VI, in particular IIa, IIIa and VIa), in which X⁰ denotes F, OCF₃, OCHF₂, OCH═CF₂, OCF═CF₂ or OCF₂—CF₂H. A favourable synergistic action with the compounds of the formula I results in particularly advantageous properties. In particular, mixtures comprising compounds of the formulae I, IIa, IIIa and VIa are distinguished by their low threshold voltage.

The individual compounds of the above-mentioned formulae and the sub-formulae thereof which can be used in the media according to the invention are either known or can be prepared analogously to the known compounds.

The invention also relates to electro-optical displays, such as, for example, STN or MLC displays, having two plane-parallel outer plates, which, together with a frame, form a cell, integrated non-linear elements for switching individual pixels on the outer plates, and a nematic liquid-crystal mixture having positive dielectric anisotropy and high specific resistance located in the cell, which contain media of this type, and to the use of these media for electro-optical purposes.

The liquid-crystal mixtures according to the invention enable a significant broadening of the available parameter latitude. The achievable combinations of clearing point, viscosity at low temperature, thermal and UV stability and high optical anisotropy are far superior to previous materials from the prior art.

The mixtures according to the invention are particularly suitable for mobile applications and low-Δn TFT applications, such as, for example, mobile telephones and PDAs.

The liquid-crystal mixtures according to the invention, while retaining the nematic phase down to −20° C. and preferably down to −30° C., particularly preferably down to −40° C., and the clearing point ≧70° C., preferably ≧75° C., particularly preferably ≧80° C., at the same time allow dielectric anisotropy values Δε≧+8, preferably ≧+10, and a high value for the specific resistance to be achieved, enabling excellent MLC displays to be obtained. In particular, the mixtures are characterised by low operating voltages.

The threshold voltage of the liquid-crystal mixtures according to the invention is preferably ≦1.5 V, particularly preferably ≦1.3 V.

The birefringence Δn of the liquid-crystal mixtures according to the invention is preferably ≦0.11, particularly preferably ≦0.10.

The rotational viscosity γ₁ of the liquid-crystal mixtures according to the invention at 20° C. is preferably ≦180 mPa·s, particularly preferably ≦140 mPa·s.

The nematic phase range of the liquid-crystal mixtures according to the invention preferably has a width of at least 90°, in particular at least 100°. This range preferably extends at least from −20° to +75° C.

It goes without saying that, through a suitable choice of the components of the mixtures according to the invention, it is also possible for higher clearing points (for example above 100° C.) to be achieved at higher threshold voltages or lower clearing points to be achieved at lower threshold voltages with retention of the other advantageous properties. At viscosities correspondingly increased only slightly, it is likewise possible to obtain mixtures having a higher Δε and thus low thresholds. The MLC displays according to the invention preferably operate at the first Gooch and Tarry transmission minimum [C. H. Gooch and H. A. Tarry, Electron. Lett. 10, 2-4, 1974; C. H. Gooch and H. A. Tarry, Appl. Phys., Vol. 8, 1575-1584, 1975], where, besides particularly favourable electro-optical properties, such as, for example, high steepness of the characteristic line and low angle dependence of the contrast (German patent 30 22 818), a lower dielectric anisotropy is sufficient at the same threshold voltage as in an analogous display at the second minimum. This enables significantly higher specific resistance values to be achieved using the mixtures according to the invention at the first minimum than in the case of mixtures comprising cyano compounds. Through a suitable choice of the individual components and their proportions by weight, the person skilled in the art is able to set the birefringence necessary for a pre-specified layer thickness of the MLC display using simple routine methods.

Measurements of the voltage holding ratio (HR) [S. Matsumoto et al., Liquid Crystals 5, 1320 (1989); K. Niwa et al., Proc. SID Conference, San Francisco, June 1984, p. 304 (1984); G. Weber et al., Liquid Crystals 5, 1381 (1989)] have shown that mixtures according to the invention comprising compounds of the formula I exhibit a significantly smaller decrease in the HR on UV exposure than analogous mixtures comprising cyanophenylcyclohexanes of the formula

or esters of the formula

instead of the compounds of the formula I.

The light stability and UV stability of the mixtures according to the invention are considerably better, i.e. they exhibit a significantly smaller decrease in the HR on exposure to light or UV. Even low concentrations of the compounds (<10% by weight) of the formula I in the mixtures increase the HR by 6% or more compared with mixtures from the prior art.

The construction of the MLC display according to the invention from polarisers, electrode base plates and surface-treated electrodes corresponds to the usual design for displays of this type. The term usual design is broadly drawn here and also encompasses all derivatives and modifications of the MLC display, in particular including matrix display elements based on poly-Si TFTs or MIM.

A significant difference between the displays according to the invention and the hitherto conventional displays based on the twisted nematic cell consists, however, in the choice of the liquid-crystal parameters of the liquid-crystal layer.

The liquid-crystal mixtures which can be used in accordance with the invention are prepared in a manner conventional per se, for example by mixing one or more compounds of the formula I with one or more compounds of the formulae II-XXIII or with further liquid-crystalline compounds and/or additives. In general, the desired amount of the components used in lesser amount is dissolved in the components making up the principal constituent, advantageously at elevated temperature. It is also possible to mix solutions of the components in an organic solvent, for example in acetone, chloroform or methanol, and to remove the solvent again, for example by distillation, after thorough mixing.

The dielectrics may also comprise further additives known to the person skilled in the art and described in the literature, such as, for example, UV stabilisers, such as Tinuvin® from Ciba, antioxidants, free-radical scavengers, nanoparticles, etc. For example, 0-15% of pleochroic dyes or chiral dopants can be added. Suitable stabilisers and dopants are mentioned below in Tables C and D.

In the present application and in the examples below, the structures of the liquid-crystal compounds are indicated by means of acronyms, the trans-formation into chemical formulae taking place in accordance with Tables A and B below. All radicals C_(n)H_(2n+1) and C_(m)H_(2m+1) are straight-chain alkyl radicals having n and m C atoms respectively; n and m are integers and preferably denote 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12. The coding in Table B is self-evident. In Table A, only the acronym for the parent structure is indicated. In individual cases, the acronym for the parent structure is followed, separated by a dash, by a code for the substituents R^(1*), R^(2*), L^(1*) and L^(2*):

Code for R¹*, R²*, L¹*, L²*, L³* R¹* R²* L¹* L²* nm C_(n)H_(2n+1) C_(m)H_(2m+1) H H nOm C_(n)H_(2n+1) OC_(m)H_(2m+1) H H nO•m OC_(n)H_(2n+1) C_(m)H_(2m+1) H H n C_(n)H_(2n+1) CN H H nN•F C_(n)H_(2n+1) CN F H nN•F•F C_(n)H_(2n+1) CN F F nF C_(n)H_(2n+1) F H H nCl C_(n)H_(2n+1) Cl H H nOF OC_(n)H_(2n+1) F H H nF•F C_(n)H_(2n+1) F F H nF•F•F C_(n)H_(2n+1) F F F nOCF₃ C_(n)H_(2n+1) OCF₃ H H nOCF₃•F C_(n)H_(2n+1) OCF₃ F H n-Vm C_(n)H_(2n+1) —CH═CH—C_(m)H_(2m+1) H H nV-Vm C_(n)H_(2n+1)—CH═CH— —CH═CH—C_(m)H_(2m+1) H H

Preferred mixture components are found in Tables A and B.

TABLE A

TABLE B

Particular preference is given to liquid-crystalline mixtures which, besides the compounds of the formula I, comprise at least one, two, three, four or more compounds from Table B.

TABLE C Table C indicates possible dopants which are generally added to the mix- tures according to the invention. The mixtures preferably comprise 0-10% by weight, in particular 0.01-5% by weight and particularly preferably 0.01-3% by weight of dopants.

TABLE D Stabilisers which can be added, for example, to the mixtures according to the invention in amounts of 0-10% by weight are mentioned below.

The following examples are intended to explain the invention without limiting it.

Above and below, percentage data denote percent by weight. All temperatures are indicated in degrees Celsius. m.p. denotes melting point, cl.p.=clearing point. Furthermore, C=crystalline state, N=nematic phase, S=smectic phase and I=isotropic phase. The data between these symbols represent the transition temperatures. Furthermore,

-   -   Δn denotes the optical anisotropy at 589 nm and 20° C.,     -   γ₁ denotes the rotational viscosity (mPa·s) at 20° C.,     -   V₁₀ denotes the voltage (V) for 10% of the change in         transmission (viewing angle perpendicular to the plate surface),         (threshold voltage),     -   V₉₀ denotes the voltage (V) for 90% of the change in         transmission (viewing angle perpendicular to the plate surface),     -   Δε denotes the dielectric anisotropy at 20° C. and 1 kHz         (Δε=ε_(∥)−ε_(⊥), where ε_(∥) denotes the dielectric constant         parallel to the longitudinal axes of the molecules and ε_(⊥)         denotes the dielectric constant perpendicular thereto),     -   HR denotes the voltage holding ratio [%], and     -   LTS denotes the low-temperature stability (phase), determined in         test cells.

The electro-optical data are measured in a TN cell at the 1st minimum (i.e. at a d·Δn value of 0.5 μm) at 20° C., unless expressly indicated otherwise. The optical data are measured at 20° C., unless expressly indicated otherwise. All physical properties are determined in accordance with “Merck Liquid Crystals, Physical Properties of Liquid Crystals”, status November 1997, Merck KGaA, Germany, and apply to a temperature of 20° C., unless explicitly indicated otherwise.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1

CC-4-V 18.00% Clearing point [° C.]: 80.0 PP-1-2V1  4.00% Δn [589 nm, 20° C.]: 0.1000 CCQU-3-F 13.00% Δε [20° C., 1 kHz]: +10.5 CCQU-5-F 12.00% γ₁ [mPa · s, 20° C.]: 107 CCP—20CF3  6.00% V₁₀ [V]: 1.28 CCP—30CF3  2.00% LTS bulk −30 [h]: 24 PUQU-3-F 14.00% BCH—3F•F•F 16.00% CCP—V-1 8.00% CCGU-3-F  7.00%

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2

CC-4-V 14.00%  Clearing point [° C.]: 80.5 CC-3-V1 2.00% Δn [589 nm, 20° C.]: 0.1000 CCQU-2-F 2.00% Δε [20° C., 1 kHz]: +11.4 CCQU-3-F 10.00%  γ₁ [mPa · s, 20° C.]: 100 CCQU-5-F 10.00%  V₁₀ [V]: 1.24 CCP—20CF3 7.00% LTS bulk −30 [h]: 48 CCP—30CF3 6.00% PUQU-2-F 9.00% PUQU-3-F 12.00%  PGU-3-F 7.00% CCG-V—F 4.00% CCP—V-1 15.00%  CCGU-3-F 2.00%

EXAMPLE 1

CC-4-V 13.00%  Clearing point [° C.]: 80.0 CC-3-V1 4.00% Δn [589 nm, 20° C.]: 0.0987 PP-1-2V1 1.00% Δε [20° C., 1 kHz]: +10.7 CCQU-3-F 10.00%  γ₁ [mPa · s, 20° C.]: 99 CCQU-5-F 10.00%  V₁₀ [V]: 1.28 CCP—20CF3 4.00% LTS bulk −30 [h]: 1000 PUQU-2-F 7.00% HR [5 min, 100° C.]: 97.5% PUQU-3-F 13.00%  PGU-3-F 6.00% CCG-V—F 7.00% CCP—V-1 13.00%  CCGU-3-F 2.00% CAP-3-F 10.00% 

The mixture has a significantly higher LTS compared with the mixtures from Comparative Examples 1 and 2, with comparable values for the clearing point, the birefringence, the dielectric anisotropy, the rotational viscosity and the threshold voltage. In addition, it exhibits a high HR value.

The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples.

The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited herein and of corresponding German application No. 102006046905.4, filed Oct. 4, 2006 are incorporated by reference herein.

From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. 

1. A liquid-crystalline medium, comprising one or more compounds of formula I

in which R⁰ denotes a halogenated or unsubstituted alkyl or alkoxy radical having 1 to 15 C atoms, in which optionally one or more CH₂ groups are, independently of one another, replaced by —C≡C—, —CF₂O—, —CH═CH—,

—O—, —CO—O— or —O—CO— in such a way that O atoms are not linked directly to one another, X⁰ denotes F, Cl, CN, SF₅, SCN, NCS, a halogenated alkyl radical, a halogenated alkenyl radical, a halogenated alkoxy radical or a halogenated alkenyloxy radical having up to 6 C atoms, and Y¹ and Y² each, independently of one another, denote H or F; and one or more compounds of formula VIa, VIb, VIc or VId

in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated for formula I.
 2. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, comprising one or more compounds of formula Ia, Ib or Ic

in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated for formula I.
 3. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, further comprising one or more compounds of formula II or III

in which R⁰, X⁰,Y¹ and Y² have the meanings indicated for formula I,

and Y³ and Y⁴ each, independently of one another, denote H or F.
 4. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 3, comprising one or more compounds of formula IIa, IIb, IIc, IId, IIIa, IIIb, IIIc or IIId

in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated for formula I.
 5. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, further comprising one or more compounds of formula IV, V, VI, VII or VIII

in which R⁰, X⁰ and Y¹ and Y² have the meanings indicated for formula I, Y³ and Y⁴ each, independently of one another, denote H or F, Z⁰ denotes —C₂H₄—, —(CH₂)₄—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF—, —C₂F₄—, —CH₂CF₂—, —CF₂CH₂—, —CH₂O—, —OCH₂—, —COO— or —OCF₂—, in formulae V and VI also a single bond, in formulae V and VIII also —CF₂O—, and r denotes 0 or
 1. 6. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, further comprising one or more compounds of formula IVa or IVb

in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated for formula I.
 7. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, comprising one or more compounds of formula VIa

in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated for formula I.
 8. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, further comprising one or more compounds of formula IX, X, XI, XII or XVIII

in which X⁰ has the meaning indicated for formula I, L is H or F, “alkyl” denotes C₁₋₇-alkyl, R′ denotes C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₆-alkoxy or C₂₋₇-alkenyl, “alkenyl” and “alkenyl*” each, independently of one another, denote C₂₋₇-alkenyl, and R¹ and R² each, independently of one another, denote n-alkyl, alkoxy, oxaalkyl, fluoroalkyl or alkenyl, each having up to 9 C atoms, where at least one of the radicals R¹ and R² denotes alkenyl having 2 to 9 C atoms.
 9. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, further comprising one or more compounds of formula XXIa or XXIb

in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meaning indicated for formula I.
 10. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 3, comprising 2-40% by weight of compounds of formula I, 20-90% by weight of compounds of formula II, 2-30% by weight of compounds of formula III, optionally 2-30% by weight of compounds of formula IV

in which R⁰, X⁰ and Y¹ and Y² have the meanings indicated for formula I, optionally 2-30% by weight of compounds of formulae IX, X, Xl and/or XII

in which X⁰ has the meaning indicated for formula I, L is H or F, “alkyl” denotes C₁₋₇-alkyl, R′ denotes C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₆-alkoxy or C₂₋₇-alkenyl, and “alkenyl” and “alkenyl” each, independently of one another, denote C₂₋₇-alkenyl, and optionally 4-30% by weight of compounds of formula XIV

in which R¹ and R² each, independently of one another, denote n-alkyl, alkoxy, oxaalkyl, fluoroalkyl or alkenyl, each having up to 9 C atoms.
 11. An electro-optical apparatus comprising a liquid-crystalline medium according to claim
 1. 12. An electro-optical liquid-crystal display containing a liquid-crystalline medium according to claim
 1. 13. A process for preparing a liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, comprising mixing together one or more compounds of formula I with one or more further liquid-crystalline compounds and/or additives.
 14. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 10, comprising 2-40% by weight of compounds of formula I, 20-90% by weight of compounds of formula II, 2-30% by weight of compounds of formula III, 2-30% by weight of compounds of formula IV

in which R⁰, X⁰ and Y¹ and Y² have the meanings indicated for formula I, 2-30% by weight of compounds of formulae IX, X, XI and/or XII

in which X⁰ has the meaning indicated for formula I, L is H or F, “alkyl” denotes C₁₋₇-alkyl, R′ denotes C₁₋₇-alkyl, C₁₋₆-alkoxy or C₂₋₇-alkenyl, and “alkenyl” and “alkenyl” each, independently of one another, denote C₂₋₇-alkenyl, and 4-30% by weight of compounds of formula XIV

in which R¹ and R² each, independently of one another, denote n-alkyl, alkoxy, oxaalkyl, fluoroalkyl or alkenyl, each having up to 9 C atoms.
 15. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, which has a nematic phase down to −20° C., a clearing point ≧ 70° C., and a dielectric anisotropy value of As Δε ≧ +8.
 16. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, which has a threshold voltage of ≦1.5 V.
 17. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, which has a threshold voltage of ≦1.3 V.
 18. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, which has a nematic phase range with a width of at least 90°,which range extends at least from −20° to +75° C.
 19. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, which has a birefringence Δn of ≦0.11, or a rotational viscosity γ₁ at 20° C. of ≦180 mPa·s.
 20. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 1, wherein X⁰ denotes F, OCF₃, OCHF₂, OCH═CF₂, OCF═CF₂ or OCF₂—CF₂H.
 21. A liquid-crystalline medium according to claim 7, further comprising one or more compounds of formulae Iia and IIIa

in which R⁰ and X⁰ have the meanings indicated for formula I. 